John "Jack" E. Gergen

John E. (Jack) Gergen passed away on June 3, 2019 in Hastings, Michigan. Jack was born October 5th, 1944 to Henry and Eileen Heidt Gergen, in Pinehurst, North Carolina, where Henry was stationed during WWII. After the war, the young family returned to their hometown of Beaver Dam, WI., where Jack was raised.

Jack attended St. Patrick's Catholic School through 8th grade and was graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1963. He played football and wrestled during his school years, was a chorus member, and enjoyed performing in the school's musicals. He was also active in the Boy Scouts of America earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

In 1968, Jack was graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a double major in Agriculture and Biology and worked as an agronomist for the Co-Operative Extension in Wisconsin, New York, and Michigan. Later he worked in the seed industry and then managed his own seed business.

Jack proudly served his country in the US Marine Corps from 1969-1971. Before he left for basic training, he married the "girl across the street", Alice Mary Paquette, his childhood pal, then girlfriend and then loving wife of 50 years.

Jack was a lifelong sportsman, and favorite days were spent duck hunting as a child on his grandmother's farm, and later with his children and then grandsons. A loyal Packer, Badger and MSU fan, game days were celebrated with joy and zest. Jack also particularly enjoyed spending time at the Gergen cottage with family and friends; a day on the beach, a nightly gathering around the campfire or a lively round-table board game. Jack was never far from his two loving Brittany Spaniels, Caly and Lily.

Family and friends will forever remember and cherish Jack's kindness, his wit and his ability to turn life's simple pleasures into lasting treasured memories.

Jack is survived by his wife Alice, their children and families: John Gergen, his wife Missy and their two sons, Morgan and Peyton, Medusa, New York; Alison Bowen, her husband Cole and their three children, Elle, Cole John and Gracie, DeWitt, Michigan; and Matthew Gergen, his wife Casey and their three children, Claire, Michael and Caroline Hastings, Michigan. Jack is also survived by his siblings, Margaret Wahlen, Virginia Westland and William Gergen, and sisters-in-law Laurie Propst and Linda Kirsh, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM, Thursday, June 6, 2019 at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway, Hastings, Michigan.  A prayer service will be held at 6:00 PM with military honors presented by the Hastings American Legion Post 45.  Memorial Mass is 11:00 AM on Friday, June 7 at St Rose of Lima Church, 805 S Jefferson Street, Hastings, Michigan.  Donations in Jack's honor can be made to St. Rose School in Hastings.